Captain Sensible

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 38+?

Fantasy Premier League managers are faced with a wealth of viable choices for the captaincy on the final day of the 2019/20 season.

With so much riding on the Gameweek 38+ fixtures, knowing that any number of armband candidates stand a chance of exploding may take the pressure off the decision and allow more focus on the ownership of each asset.

To help you pick the best captain for your team, the Captain Sensible article is back for one last hurrah, analysing the statistical form of players over their last four matches and comparing them with the defences they are about to face.

As this uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

Captain Poll

Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) is the clear winner of the captain poll for Gameweek 38+ pulling in the support of 35.6% in the final vote of the season.

There is very little surprise about the Manchester City midfielder topping the charts here, considering he has five double-figure hauls since the Premier League returned and recently claimed penalty-taking duties from Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m), who is backed by just 6.6% of our readers.

David Silva (£7.5m) is also set to play a part in the captaincy conversation after 13% of our voters deemed him the best option for the final Gameweek of the season. It also happens to be the Spaniard’s last Premier League game for Manchester City, suggesting he could go out with a bang. That seems likely when we consider he has averaged 10.5 points per appearance at home during Project Restart.

De Bruyne and Foden unlucky as Silva and Sterling score big for Man City

The backing for both Sterling and Silva is, of course, underpinned by Norwich’s obliging defence. The Canaries have let in 18 goals since Gameweek 30+, an average of 2.3 per game.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) may have blanked in each of his last three outings, but there is still an outside chance he can wrestle the Golden Boot trophy away from Jamie Vardy (£9.7m). Watford come to the Emirates Stadium having conceded three goals in three of their last five away matches, while Aubameyang has scored six times in as many home Premier League appearances.

With the same amount of the support in the poll (11%), Harry Kane (£10.9m) comes into Gameweek 38+ with a brace in each of his last two games. That has convinced a portion of the Fantasy community that the Spurs forward will have an enjoyable trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. 

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 8

Crystal Palace have found themselves in the middle of a rotten defensive crisis as the 2019/20 campaign comes to a close. They have at least two goals in each of their last five Premier League matches, and will face Spurs short of Patrick van Aanholt (£5.6m), Gary Cahill (£4.3m), James Tomkins (£4.9m) and, most likely, Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m).

Another team in disarray at the back are Newcastle, who have flags against seven different defenders ahead of hosting Liverpool on Sunday. That could be good news for Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), who clearly has a been under his bonnet having not scored in each of his last three despite a whole host of opportunities. The Egyptian has arguably been the most exciting Liverpool player recently and a beleaguered Newcastle defence could be exactly what he needs to get that explosive haul he has been promising.

Christian Pulisic (£7.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.6m), Gabriel Jesus (£9.9m) and Anthony Martial (£8.5m) are the only other options with more than 1% support in the poll.

Player statistics – Last four matches

2,265 Comments Post a Comment
  1. One More Hit
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Robbo + Giroud
    B) Saiss + Vardy

    Leaning towards A, figured both strikes probably have a one goal ceiling?

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

  2. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Digne & Jesus
    or
    B) Branthwaite & Kane

    1. One More Hit
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  3. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench boost for GW38+

    Pope (Martinez)
    TAA Doherty Mendy Lamptey (Digne) Bruno KDB Martial Pulisic (Dilva)
    Vardy Ings (Greenwood)

    Last roll of the dice...
    A Vardy/Mendy to Kane/Pieters -4
    B Salah to Sterling
    C Fernandes/Vardy to Antonio/Kane -4
    D Mendy to Pieters

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

  4. Pinturicchio10
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pope
      TAA, Aurier, VVD
      Son, Bruno, Martial, Mahrez, Antonio
      Jimenez, Jesus

      Patricio, Greenwood, Boly, Lascelles

      1ft 1.2itb

      Honestly may end up making no transfers for the final week provided all these start.

      A) Boly -> Mendy
      B) United mid -> Silva
      C) Jesus -> Kane / Aubameyang
      D) Son -> De Bruyne

      Wont take a hit due to rank so Sterling ain't happening. WWYD....

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B

        1. Pinturicchio10
            3 years, 8 months ago

            That Leicester defence though...

            1. Hairy Potter
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              C then

              1. Pinturicchio10
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Leaves one City player for what is likely to be a mauling. I'm so torn.

                  1. Hairy Potter
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Go for A maybe

                    1. Pinturicchio10
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Bench Aurier vs Palace. Oh my days. This is one of those gwks where I just absolutely hate this game. May only happen once or twice a season.

                        Cheers for input.

                        1. Hairy Potter
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 8 months ago

                          No worries, don't think there is an obvious answer and sounds like you're working through the options.

            2. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Jimenez and Boly to Kane and Williams (3.8)

              1. Pinturicchio10
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Not taking a hit.

            3. Eldon
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              KDB + Dilva + Antonio

              Or

              Sterling + Dilva + Foden

              1. sandman58
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                B because u can captain Sterling

            4. Bleh
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Who wins?

              A. Mahrez
              B. Sterling (-4)

              1. Bleh
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Should probably add C. Antonio

              2. Miguel Sanchez
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                A

              3. Hairy Potter
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                A

              4. lilmessipran
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                A

            5. Hairy Potter
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Which do you think scores more?

              A) VVD & Rashford
              B) VVD & Greenwood
              C) Bardsley & Kane - 4

            6. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Lol at folk selling KDB before Norwich. It shouldn't even be a thing.

              Fpl should take the option away from you for your own mental well being

              1. HollywoodXI
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                ^ This

              2. tokara
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                A lion doesn't concern itself with the opinion of sheep.

                1. Twisted Saltergater
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Such an awful phrase.

                  1. TheDragon
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    A lion wouldn’t say that 😉

                    1. Twisted Saltergater
                      • 14 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      😀 I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing

                  2. Eat my goal!
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    I wonder if a lion would eat a sheep, slow easy kill but covered in think wool - hair balls aplenty!

                    1. Eat my goal!
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Thick*

                2. Ginkapo FPL
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Why not?

                3. Holmes
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Wonder who is lion in this case and who is sheep! 😆

                  1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    i was trying to work that one out.

                4. Hairy Potter
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  How many lions have ever seen a sheep?

                  1. tokara
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Good point lol

                  2. el polako
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    In Narnia or real world ?

                    1. Amey
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Jumanji

              3. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                It’s bonkers when I look at it - I’ve done KdB to DSilva, which leaves exactly enough in the bank to do Bruno to Salah.

                That’s KdB and Bruno out. For a hit.

                But it’s GW38 and I need to differentiate my team and hope I get lucky over 1 week.

                1. Werkself
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  A hit in GW 38 makes me think your chasing. If so, you're getting rid of the players the free-hitters are selling and bringing in the players that everyone is buying, which is not differentiating and contrary to making up ground. So I agree - it's bonkers. But hey, no guts, no glory. Good luck.

              4. Holmes
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Won't really hurt even if he scores 30pts, it's last week, time to avoid boring picks...

              5. lilmessipran
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Not many are "Selling" per se, just some going without him on "FH" in order to catch a few differentials and make up some ground in their Mini leagues, which is risky but could work out

              6. jason_ni
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                On fh, hoping for another price drop before tomorrow, give me extra budget!

              7. Amey
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Non FH player's taking the risk

                1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  FH is different. Although he is going to be hungry for assists and nothing to stop him scoring . If i was on a FH he would be my second city pick 100%

                  I have seen some take a -4 to bring Sterling in at his expense . Maybe they have nothing to lose

                  1. Amey
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Exactly
                    Watching other FH teams making them uncomfortable IMHO

              8. el polako
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                People gamble on Pep's roulette thats all.
                Its not unthinkable that D Silva, Sterling and lets say Mahrez score better thank KDB especially since little Spaniard likely to play and with him on the pitch KDB drops bit deeper.

                1. tokara
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Good Point

                2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  You would expect him to be as nailed as can be though. Record chasing and will be starting vs Madrid so will be needing rhythem

                  1. el polako
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Absoluteley, its just the question of which 3 City assets score most points and we are all on our own in asnwering it.
                    There is no right or wrong approach, I had KDB since GW1 and still considering swapping him for Rahim S.

              9. Party time
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  My balls are actually really large so yes no Kdb although I have other City attacking options

                • fish&chips
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Scored 17 points in the last 5 despite city scoring a hatful of goals. Of course he could haul but I don't think KDB -> Sterling who is in great form is a bad option, particularly if you're chasing and those above you don't have sterling

              10. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Morning, which defenders 4.2 or below are worth a -4 on bench boost?

                Already have Pieters.

                Thanks

                1. tokara
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  United williams?

                2. lilmessipran
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Not many really, Branthwate at Everton maybe? depends who you will be playing instead

                  1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Injured players

                3. TheDragon
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Branthwaite?

                  1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Again trying to think if he’s worth a -4

                4. TheTinman
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Yeah if you need more than one, you could goo B Williams 3.8m and KWP 4.4m

                  1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Not worth a -8 though right?

              11. lilmessipran
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Bottomed ... On Free hit, which looks like the better option

                A Auba + Long (triple Bur Defense)
                B Martial/8.2 mid + Robbo ( doub Bur defense)

                1. Hairy Potter
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  B

                2. Gandalf
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  B

                3. Holmes
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  B

                4. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  B for me

              12. Kaiser123
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Would the ML leaders go for Sterling blocker. i have 50 points lead, Sterling is the only one who could get 40 points as captain i reckon. It would take a -8 to get him.

                1. Gandalf
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  If the other -4 an upgrade also then could well be the safe option. No guarantees in this game though, remember losing a similar lead due to Giroud (C) for opp on last day..

              13. TheTinman
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Sneaky suspicion that Neco Williams starts...

                1. TheDragon
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Over TAA?

                2. jason_ni
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Already has his 5 league appearances... and he got a rest 2 games back, but no one really knows.
                  Except Rockstar!

                3. Karan14
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Doubt it unless one of TAA or Robbo are hungover tom morning.

                4. TheTinman
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Nothing to do with rests or hangovers. I just think Klopp continues blooding another youngster that's all.

                  1. MrZ
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    That's my concern.
                    But scary going without him.

              14. FPL Pillars
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Pick one:

                A Greenwood and Robbo
                B Ings and Pieters

                Thx

              15. Fantasy 11
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                On FH. Is this good to go?

                Martinez
                Porters mendy bardsley
                Dilva salah Antonio sterling martial
                Kane Auba

                Salah or kdb for this. Or any other suggestions ? Tq

              16. UnitednationsXI
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Hi all, thoughts on the best combo here...quite tough.

                Martinez
                XXX • Pieters • Long --- Williams simpson
                Salah • Sterling • Dilva • Mahrez • XXX
                Kane • XXX --- connolly

                A: Aurier + Antonio + Rashford
                B: Aurier + Martial + Ings
                C: Robbo + Antonio + Ings

                1. The Head-Ake
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  C

              17. Cak Juris
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Who is the best punt of premium defender for GW 38:
                A. Van Dijk
                B. Digne
                C. Azpilicueta
                D. Alonso

                1. Holmes
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Digne would be my pick

                2. Hairy Potter
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  I fancy VVD at corners against Newcastle's depleted central defence.

              18. Eat my goal!
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Chelsea v wolves

                Both playing for europe!

                Wolves have had 1 game less and 2 days more rest!

                1. jason_ni
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  YES.

                  YES.

                  YES.

                  1. Twisted Saltergater
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    😀

                  2. Eat my goal!
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Lol, I’m just thinking that it’s a really tough fixture for Chelsea and their assets

                    1. tokara
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Its stamford bridge

                      Expect lots of goals in this one

                2. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  1-2

              19. XX SMICER XX
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I am 0.1M off this team. I’m stuck on what to do?

                Pope
                TAA Robertson Pieters
                Sterling DSilva Mahrez Mane Martial
                Kane Greenwood

                3.9 Connolly Williams 3.9

                1. XX SMICER XX
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Robbo & Mane to VVD & Salah???

                  1. Hairy Potter
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Sounds good

                  2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Yes that or Pope to Martinez

              20. Weasel51
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Pick a duo:

                A) Vardy + Mahrez

                B) Jesus + Martial

                C) Aubameyang + Dilva (-4)

                1. TheTinman
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  C

              21. Von Lipwig
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Any chance Sterling blanks?

                1. Bleh
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  I sincerely hope so!

                2. jason_ni
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  as an owner.. and likely capper id take it.. 1 point separates 2nd and 4th in cash ml, and they both likely to TC him!

                3. Van der Faart
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  No

              22. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                How does this FH team look?

                3-4-3
                Martinez
                Aurier Pieters Bardsley
                Dilva Mahrez Sterling Salah
                Auba Kane Ings

                Should I try to fit KDB? Should I swap Ings for Antonio/Pulisic?

                1. Van der Faart
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Nice but not sure I see Arsenal keeping CS

                  1. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    0 ITB so can't really upgrade
                    I'll have to probably do Ings to Antonio going 3-5-2 and I'll be able to afford McCarthy.
                    Worth it?

              23. Wigg_1992
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Fernandes to Son -4?

                Catching a mini league rival who has Fernandes but not Son

              24. JabbaWookiee
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Finish off this FH team

                Martinez
                TAA - Bardsley - Pieters
                Dilva - Salah - Sterling - ? - ?
                Kane - Ings

                A) KdB & Martial
                B) Mahrez & Son

                1. Twisted Saltergater
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Only if you finish me off.

                  1. JabbaWookiee
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    You go first

                    1. Twisted Saltergater
                      • 14 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      So selfish... I’d be tempted by B if you’re not going to captain KdB.

                  2. jason_ni
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    oh matron.

                2. The Head-Ake
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  A

                3. Bleh
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Any chance of Martial & Mahrez?

                  1. JabbaWookiee
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Would give me £1.8m to play with. How could I upgrade elsewhere?

                    1. XX SMICER XX
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Use it to bring in Pope and Aurier?

              25. Letsgo!
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Is jimmy starting?

                1. Twisted Saltergater
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  You just know the cradle baby celebration is coming.

                  1. JabbaWookiee
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    This

                2. tokara
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Coach already says starting!!!!

                3. Tomerick
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Yes. I just told you Santo says he starts.

              26. Letsgo!
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Sell bruno for mahrez for -4?

                1. Twisted Saltergater
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Probably. Tough.

                2. tokara
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Will he start

                  1. Letsgo!
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Mahrez? Of course!

              27. The Head-Ake
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Is it decent of a move losing Pope to strengthen defense and get another (2) Burnley defender instead? Looking at Mccarthy

                1. JabbaWookiee
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Why not Martínez?

                  1. The Head-Ake
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Watford could put up a fight to avoid relegation, no?

                2. Van der Faart
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  I've just done it on FH. Makes sense if you need to upgrade a defender.

                3. L S P
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  I’ve done this.

                  Currently on Martinez but might find .1 to get McCarthy for the reasons you outline. Tho SOU DEF isn’t all that great and Martinez could rack up some save points if WAT can figure out how to shoot...

              28. AdamJ91
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                On a FH;

                A) Martinez, Pieters & KDB
                or
                B) Pope, Aurier & Mahrez

                1. jason_ni
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  toss a coin, both look good.

                2. In and Out
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  B

              29. noquarternt
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Harry Kane 2 goals off RVP’s total of PL goals...

                1. tokara
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Nice

              30. Sprets
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Would appreciate any thoughts:

                Martinez
                Doherty Tark TAA
                Mahrez Bruno Martial KDB
                Greenwood Jesus Ings

                1FT 1.9itb

                Leading ML by 30 points

                1. LC1
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Mahrez to Dilva?

              31. In and Out
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Can you activate FH like a wild card or is it a one time transfer?

                1. jason_ni
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Same a wc, make as many transfers you want up to deadline